Implement hitch

Abstract

A hitch link structure includes two hitch tubes angled with respect to each other and having forward ends connected by upper and lower hitch plates welded to the tubes. The plates include weld cutouts designed so the same plates can be used with a variety of different hitch tube angles, depending on the width of the mainframe hitch mount-up. Three apertures in the forward end of each of the plates receive bolts which connect the selected hitch link to the plates. The apertures also act as weld fixturing locators to speed hitch construction. The weld cutouts, in generally a half moon configuration, facilitate low cost fillet welds at easily accessible locations regardless of hitch tube angle and facilitate fillet weld connections in relatively lowly stressed areas. The lower plate is apertured to define an intermediate support hole for the safety chain, and the central bolt connecting the hitch link also attaches to the safety chain so the chain is accommodated without additional parts.

What is claimed is:  
     
       1. In an implement adapted for connection to a towing vehicle for forward movement over the ground, hitch structure comprising: 
       a fore-and-aft extending hitch tube having a forward end, the forward end having a hollow cross section with first and second sets of opposed walls, the first walls spaced apart a first distance;  
       a first plate including first notched areas defining first notches spaced the first distance apart;  
       a second plate including second notched areas defining second notches spaced the first distance apart;  
       wherein the first and second plates are partially inserted into the forward end with the notches receiving the first walls; and  
       welds connecting the notched areas with the first walls.  
     
     
       2. The hitch structure as set forth in  claim 1  including a hitch link connected between the plates forwardly of the forward end of the hitch tube. 
     
     
       3. The hitch structure as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the first and second plates are offset inwardly from the second set of opposed walls. 
     
     
       4. The hitch structure as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the notches have a preselected notch length, and the welds extend along a portion of the notch length, and wherein a substantial portion of the notched areas is located within the hitch tube and remains substantially unwelded. 
     
     
       5. The hitch structure as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the second plate includes an aperture, and further comprising a chain extending through the aperture. 
     
     
       6. The hitch structure as set forth in  claim 5  including a hitch link, and wherein the first and second plates include bolt-receiving holes, and bolts extending through the holes and the hitch link to secure the hitch link between the plates, one of the bolts connected to the chain to secure the chain to the hitch structure independently of additional fasteners. 
     
     
       7. In an implement adapted for connection to a towing vehicle for forward movement over the ground, hitch structure comprising: 
       fore-and-aft extending hitch tube structure having a forward end, the forward end including a hitch tube having opposite walls defining a hollow cross section;  
       a first plate including first offset notched areas;  
       a second plate including second offset notched areas;  
       welds connecting the first and second notched areas to the opposite walls; and  
       wherein the welds support the first and second plates in spaced relationship from the hitch tube structure.  
     
     
       8. The hitch structure set forth in  claim 7  wherein the first and second plates are partially inserted into the hitch tube with the notches receiving the opposite walls.